Jean Wilke

Owner principal knife maker

Jean Wilke is the owner and principal knifemaker and driving force behind Fire Goby Forge.
“Fire Goby Forge” needs to be a “crucible” for producing world-leading blade smiths and market-leading products.”
“Good enough” will never be!!!

Werner Hattingh

Knife maker

Werner Hattingh joined Fire Goby Forge on 8 September 2025 as an apprentice knifemaker with absolutely no prior knifemaking skills or experience. His only background was basic handyman work alongside his father. At the time, his appointment was more of an experiment than a conventional job.

Werner’s first exposure to knifemaking came during Jean’s 2-day Forge Knifemaking Course, where his natural “feel” for the machines, the steel, and the craft quickly became evident. At the time, we did not fully realise what we were witnessing—a young man with more raw talent in one hand than many of his peers possess altogether.

Since then, Werner’s work ethic, natural aptitude, and pure talent has seen him progress rapidly, becoming a junior knifemaker far sooner than we ever expected. The quality of his work already surpasses what one would normally expect from someone of his age and experience.

Werner recently completed a two-week Introduction to Bladesmithing course at Heavin Forge under Mastersmith Kevin Harvey. Once again, the ease with which he passed the demanding final examination was a testament to both his talent and his dedication.

Werner is a true asset to Fire Goby Forge, and any knife purchased from him is a collector’s dream—one that will only increase in value over time.

Kobus Wilke

Whip maker and braiding

Kobus Wilke is the only non-knife maker in the workshop.
Kobus (the not-so-quiet one)’s speciality is the making of exquisite paracord whips and the braiding of Fire Goby Forge’s knives. 
The salesmen of the three, Kobus will convince you that if you do not need a knife, you certainly need a good whip!